Gardner-Webb president set to retire in 2019

Saturday

After nearly 14 years as president of Gardner-Webb University, Dr. Frank Bonner is stepping down.

Bonner has called the Boiling Springs-based institution of higher learning home for nearly three decades and announced his plans to retire in January 2019.

“One year from now, it will be very difficult for me to cease doing what I love,” Bonner said. “However, my wife, Flossie, and I look forward to more time together, more travel and more time with six wonderful grandchildren who are growing up before our eyes.”

Over the next couple of months, Bonner will focus on helping to set Gardner-Webb and his successor up for a better future. Many of his plans are in the discussion stage and he didn't want to get ahead of himself in discussing details. But he did say he will be looking back on his time with the university.

"Over the next year, I plan on doing some writing reflecting on my 30 years here," he said.

Bonner began his tenure with the college in 1987 as vice president for academic affairs. He later became vice president for academic and student affairs and then provost and senior vice president. In May 2005, he was named president.

Highlights of his tenure include leading the university’s capital campaign to raise $46 million, receiving gifts for the Hunt School of Nursing and Godbold School of Business, building the 110,000-square-foot Tucker Student Center and joining the Big South Conference as a full member for athletics. Bonner also helped to develop several programs of academic enhancement and building athletic facilities for the university.

When Bonner first took over at the university, he had a vision for it to be one of the most highly regarded Christian universities in the nation and to make sure graduates were as well-rounded as they could be before leaving.

“During his time as president, the university has experienced tremendous growth in infrastructure, faculty enhancements, student research and engagement. Working with Dr. Bonner has been amazing. He is a godly man with great love for the university and the students,” Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees Chair Frank Stewart said.

While he is stepping down as president, Bonner said he doesn't plan to leave the area.

"This is home. We have no interest in going anywhere else," he said.

Joyce Orlando can be reached at 704-669-3341 or find her on Twitter @Star_J_Orlando.

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